I believe everyone has a story & everyone's stories have trials & triumph. Whether big or small. A part of my story creates the character that I call superman. When I was a senior in high school the scariest thing happened. I was pulled out of school to find out one of my parents was in the hospital with very minor details. It was my daddy. I immediately assumed the worst. As a child my dad was the most masculine person I knew. I'm sure as every little girl pictures their daddy. Everything about him seemed invincible. He was strong, athletic, popular & handsome.
After his accident he was told he'd never walk again. I thought well that is taking the man I've known completely out of him. I was scared....who would he be now, to me, to his peers & most importantly to himself. Throughout his time in rehab he kept pushing the limits & setting higher goals. Before we knew it he was taking strides with a cool machine! I was so proud. Once he officially got back home it didn't take him long to mention he was joining a wheelchair basketball league. I was stoked. I knew he'd played basketball before he was confined to this chair, but I never thought of wheelchair sports! Perfect hobby. Then, he mentioned wheelchair tennis. I honestly didn't think much would come of it. Before I knew it I was bidding on chairs & racks from ebay. It was almost instantaneous he began traveling to tournaments. However, I've yet to see him play, he never tells me which we will have to fix! He recently competed in the U.S. Open wheelchair championship. Where he won both the singles & doubles title in the C division! I'm so proud of him, but most importantly I want people to take an amazing message from this...."you can get bitter, or you can get better" a friend told him that & he says it motivated him. From this I want others to know that just because you are confined doesn't mean you can't put yourself out there. Specific to the sports you will benefit mentally, physically & socially. But it's not just sports that are out there. Get out and experiment. Just like my dad who learned a new sport in adulthood with a physical limit & is dominating & so can you!
Here are some great starting points for research & ideas!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment